Hi from Afghanistan

Hey Ya'll. I'm from Athens, GA but currently stationed in Afghanistan with the Georgia Army National Guard. I've been lurking around for about 6 weeks or so and finally thought I'd join in on the action, albeit in a limited role. Currently my only biking experience is on the exercise bike. The last time I rode a bike at home was my freshman year in college, about four years ago, on a Huffy MTB hardtail that my dad got in his size (he's 5'8" and I'm 6'3") and an old steel road bike my junior year in high school (also too small). I started biking as exercise because I hate running and I could burn more calories before I got too tired. Now I love it and can't wait to get back home and buy a bike that actually takes me places. I have one year left in college (UGA, Go Dawgs!!) and I'm planning on commuting solely- about 4 miles each way, nothing drastic. About the only thing that gets me through the days here are calling my wife and "shopping" for bikes and reading reviews. I have about two months left and then I'll be able to ride for real. I've got several hybridish bikes in mind, my three LBS carry Felt, Giant, Trek, Specialized, Scott, Jamis and a few more but those are the ones I'm looking at. That's about all for now I suppose.